Last December and January alone, more than 2 million South Africans travelled abroad, either by road or by air. In addition to having travel insurance, which covers accommodation cancellations and medical emergencies, travellers should also have insurance for their cars and valuables – so that if something happens, it won’t ruin their holiday.
Here are the king’s top tips for when it comes to insurance and holidaying abroad:
Driving across a border? You’ll need paperwork.
If you’re going to be driving across a border with a caravan, boat, or a motorbike, you’ll need cross-border and confirmation of cover letters from your insurer for each of these vehicles, and for every border you go through. And, if they’re financed, you’ll need letters from the finance houses as well.
While you’re sorting out these documents, take a moment to check that your driver’s licence, and licences for all the vehicles, as well as everyone’s ID documents and passports, are up to date.
Generally, your car and trailer, etc. should be covered in Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Malawi and Zimbabwe, but you should check with your insurer before making plans. It’s also worth making sure you know what to do, and how your insurer can help you, if you have an accident in another country.
If you have an accident over the border, your liability to other people, which is normally covered by your car insurance in SA, may not apply. However, this liability cover is usually required – and could save you having to pay an expensive claim out of your own pocket. Your travel agent is best placed to advise you.
Cover for portable possessions? Check.
You should also make sure that all the high-value items you pack are insured – like your cellphones, tablets, cameras, clothes, jewellery, and even your portable camping equipment. The things you take with you when you leave your property, which some insurers call ‘all risk items’, are covered for accidental damage, theft, and loss anywhere in the world as long as you have portable possessions cover. The moment these items leave your property they’re no longer covered under home contents.
Need to claim? It’s easy.
Wherever you are, if an insured item – from your car to your phone – is stolen or damaged, the first thing you should do is call your insurer. Let them take the stress out of the situation and tell you what your next steps should be. The exception to this rule is if you’ve been involved in an accident while on the road, in which case you’re legally obliged to report it to the police before you do anything else.
And the most important tip from the king? Have fun!
Make sure the king’s got your back and get a commitment-free insurance quote form the king of insurance. Pop a WhatsApp to 0860 50 50 50.
Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
